Transportation Commission Meeting

CITY OF ESCONDIDO MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNITY SAFETY COMMISSION July 9, 2015 The regular meeting of the Escondido Transportation and Community Safety Commission was called to order at 3:06 p.m., Thursday, by Chair Durney, in the City Council Chambers, 201 North Broadway, Escondido, California. Commissioners present: Chair Dumey, Commissioner Blackstock, Commissioner Sarro, Commissioner Dayani, and Commissioner Leone. Commissioners absent: Vice-chair Spoonemore, and Commissioner Simonson. Staff present: Julie Procopio, Assistant Director of Public Works; Homi Namdari, Assistant City Engineer; All Shahzad, Associate Engineer/Traffic Division; Abraham Bandegan, Associate Engineer/Traffic Division; Mark Peterson, Escondido Police Department; and Ty Paulson, Minutes Clerk. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None. MINUTES: Moved by Commissioner Blackstock, seconded by Commissioner Sarro, to approve the minutes of the April 9, 2015, meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Leone was absent from the vote. CONSENT ITEMS: None. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Traffic Management Project List - FY 15/16 Rankings Commissioner Dayani recused himself. Abraham Bandegan, Associate Engineer, referenced the staff report and noted staff recommended approval of four of the projects (1 School Zone Crosswalk), (3 Ash Street and Sheridan Intersection), (4 Lincoln Avenue, Ash Street and Mission Road), and (5 Escondido High School Speed Radar Feed-Back Signage), preliminarily selected by the Commission during their April 2015 meeting. Additionally, staff requested further direction on implementation of Project 7 (Traffic Management for Eucalyptus Avenue) due to receiving additional feedback from the neighborhood after the TCSC report was drafted. 1 Mr. Bandegan then made reference to a petition received from 130 residents living near Eucalyptus Avenue requesting the street remain as it is. Chair Durney and staff discussed the feedback received for the Eucalyptus Avenue management plan and the costs for each project. Kimberly Israel, Escondido, noted that she was the coordinator of community outreach for the Escondido Union School District, project director for Escondido Safe Routes to School Program, and acting facilitator for the Escondido Smart Streets Coalition. She then provided some background history and organizations involved with the Escondido Smart Streets Coalition and thanked the Commission for recommending the safe crosswalks and taking their input for consideration. Lawrence Campbell, Escondido, was opposed to the proposed striping plan and modifications for Eucalyptus Avenue. He expressed concern with the residents in the area only receiving notice about the changes to Eucalyptus Avenue in June. Joe BaIsley, Escondido, noted that he was speaking on behalf of 6 to 13 of his neighbors who were all opposed to the proposed striping plan and modifications for Eucalyptus Avenue. He noted that 30 of the 130 residents on the petition were originally in favor of traffic calming but now were opposed to the proposed modifications for Eucalyptus Avenue. He stated that City staff had been very accommodating when requesting information. He did not feel Eucalyptus Avenue had significant traffic issues. He indicated that he was a certified accident prevention specialist, noting that statistics showed the majority of all traffic accidents were by human error, which he felt could be rectified by law enforcement and the use of radar equipment. Chris Hodge, Escondido, concurred with Mr. Balsley's comments. He felt police enforcement would rectify the issues on Eucalyptus Avenue. He stated that he was in favor of crosswalks throughout the City. He suggested putting funds toward the conclusion of Citracado Parkway. He stated that he was aware of the fact that Eucalyptus Avenue was a collector street when he purchased in the area. In conclusion, he noted that he was opposed to the proposed modifications to Eucalyptus Avenue. Sandra Hodge, Escondido, felt that the current stop signs would eventually help the street. She stated that she was opposed to the proposed modifications to Eucalyptus Avenue. Matt Pedote, Escondido, was opposed to the proposed modifications to Eucalyptus Avenue. He felt the installation of the stop signs helped calm traffic in the area. He also expressed his view that the median strip that was proposed created a more unsafe condition on the street. 2 John Pappas, Escondido, felt striping Eucalyptus Avenue would divert traffic to Cortina Circle, thus creating issues for this street. He stated that he was in favor of the existing conditions but was opposed to the proposed modifications for Eucalyptus Avenue. Richard Conwell, Escondido, noted that density and speeding would continue to increase on Eucalyptus Avenue due to the new developments being constructed in the area, especially the Harmony Grove project. He stated that the radar speed signs and stop signs helped calm traffic in the area. He indicated that in April he presented a letter signed by 60 residents, 30 who lived on Eucalyptus Avenue and five who abutted Eucalyptus Avenue, of Rancho Verde requesting that Eucalyptus Avenue be placed on the Traffic Management Priority List due to excessive and high-speed traffic. He elaborated that he supported the proposed striping plan along with posting the street at 25 mph, but was opposed to the proposed medians, feeling this would impact the safety of individuals using the sidewalk. He stated that many of the residents were opposed to the striping due to the appearance it would have on Eucalyptus Avenue and the potential impacts on property values, noting these same individuals were still in favor of traffic calming measures even if the striping plan was not approved. Lisa Richie, Escondido, stated that she was speaking on behalf of David and Nancy Solomon and herself. She indicated that they appreciated the existing traffic calming measures but were opposed to the proposed modifications to Eucalyptus Avenue. She asked that the Commission take into consideration the approximately 130 residents opposed to the proposed modifications on Eucalyptus Avenue. She noted that Mr. Solomon suggested using the funds for this project towards the long-term plans for Citracado Parkway. Marilyn Shepard, Escondido, stated that she was opposed to the proposed modifications to Eucalyptus Avenue. She suggested taking the funds being proposed for Eucalyptus Avenue and putting them towards the long-term plans for Citracado Parkway. She also noted that she was told in by her real estate agent in 1987 that Citracado Parkway would be opened in 1989. Francis Fitzpatrick, Escondido, noted that he lived on Eucalyptus Avenue. He felt the traffic speeds being recorded by the radar signage would be higher if taken in the area near Ventana Drive. He felt 35 mph was the appropriate speed for Eucalyptus Avenue. He did not feel the proposed striping plan would help but felt the presence of a police car would. He also felt on-street parking might help slow traffic. Susan Fitzpatrick, Escondido, thanked the City for the traffic calming measures taken to date. She felt traffic speeds counts should be taken at the bottom of Eucalyptus Avenue. She did not feel the proposed striping plan would help issues in the area. She felt most of the individuals speeding did not live in the area. 3 Victor Guasepohl, Escondido, noted that he lived on Eucalyptus Avenue. He indicated that he was opposed to the proposed plan but was in favor of the existing traffic calming and future measures to reduce speeds Eucalyptus Avenue. Robert Bartlett, Escondido, noted that he lived on Eucalyptus Avenue. He was opposed to the proposed modifications for Eucalyptus Avenue but was in favor of the existing traffic calming and future measures to reduce speeds. George Healey, Escondido, noted that he lived on Eucalyptus Avenue. He was opposed to the striping plan but was in favor of the existing traffic calming and future measures to reduce speeds on Eucalyptus Avenue. He felt the issues with Eucalyptus Avenue would continue to increase as future developments were completed. He asked that the City consider potential exceptions for the area. Marty Williams, Escondido, noted that he lived on Eucalyptus Avenue. He felt the street was safe, noting that the existing traffic calming measures helped. He suggested moving the radar unit near Via Rancho Parkway closer to Via Rancho Parkway. He stated that he was opposed to the proposed modifications for Eucalyptus Avenue. Commissioner Leone and staff discussed the future status for Citracado Parkway. Commissioner Sarro suggested the residents of Eucalyptus Avenue use their influence with their own neighbors to help slow people down. Chair Durney noted that it appeared the main issue was that speeding was occurring near the lowest portion of Eucalyptus Avenue. He suggested relocating the radar sign. Commissioner Blackstock was opposed to the proposed striping plan. Moved by Commissioner Sarro, seconded by Commissioner Blackstock, to approve items 1, 3, 4, and 5. The motion included directing staff to return to the Commission with a recommendation for the additional available funding. Motion carried. Ayes: Durney, Blackstock, Sarro, and Leone. Noes: None. Abstained: Dayani. (4-1) 2. Centre City Parkway and Escondido Boulevard (North & South) — Eliminate Left Turn Movements Ali Shahzad, Associate Engineer/Traffic Division, referenced the staff report and noted staff recommended approving both recommendations at Escondido Boulevard intersections with Centre City Parkway; 1) Eliminate westbound left-turn and through movements at Location 4 intersection permanently, and add a median channelizer for right-outs only; 2) Improve signage and striping at Locations 1 4 intersection to make drivers execute proper left turn maneuvers and to warn northbound CCP drives that there was "cross traffic ahead"; and 3) Install Stop Signs at the westbound and eastbound approach of Citracado Parkway at its approach with Escondido Boulevard, and South Centre City Parkway making it a three-way stop at both intersections. Chair Dumey asked if staff had received any complaints regarding the closure of Site 4. Mr. Shahzad replied in the negative and further noted that staff had received one call in favor of the closure. Chair Durney asked if there was a need for "Keep Clear" pavement signage in the intersection. Mr. Shahzad concurred. Commissioner Blackstock concurred with staffs recommendation and concurred with installing pavement signage striping. Commissioner Leone recused himself from this item. ACTION: Moved by Commissioner Blackstock, seconded by Commissioner Dayani, to approve staffs recommendation. Motion carried. Ayes: Dumey, Blackstock, Sarro, and Dayani. Noes: None. Abstained: Leone. (4-1) 3. City of San Diego Crosswalk Policy Review. Mid-Block Crossing Warrants & Treatments Abraham Bandegan, Associate Engineer, referenced the staff report noted that staff recommended that the Commission update the current City of Escondido Crosswalk Policy. Commissioner Blackstock asked if the City Attorney would review the proposed revisions. Mr. Bandegan replied in the affirmative. Mr. Shahzad noted that his understanding was that the City of San Diego had conducted a risk analysis, which staff would look into. Commissioner Dayani expressed his concern for uncontrolled crosswalks being unsafe and suggested making it more difficult to approve said crosswalks. Sandy Velasco, Escondido, Member of CX3, supported the City of San Diego Crosswalk policies and felt anything done to help access to Escondido Creek would help promote pedestrian activity. Michele Suarez, Escondido, was in favor of creating safe crosswalks throughout the City, feeling they increased the walkability of the community. She also was in favor City considering San Diego's crosswalk policies. 5 Discussion ensued regarding dropping the speed from 40 mph down to 35 mph. OLD BUSINESS: 1. An overview of various projects involving the City a. Traffic Signal Designs for El Norte/Fig & East Valley Parkway/Date — Work in Progress b. Traffic Signals — Private Development (in plancheck): North AshNista Venue,. North Ash/Sheridan Avenue, El NorteNista Verde Way in Design. Under Construction: Harmony Grove/Citracado Parkway and County/City Signal on Boyle/Bear Valley Parkway. Received. SCHOOL AREA SAFETY 1. Escondido High School Pedestrian Ramps. 2. Traffic Signal Timing Project along North Bear Valley Parkway 8 signals. Received. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: COUNCIL ACTION: a. Broadway and l3" Avenue Stop Signs b. Speed Surveys Received. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None. TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONERS: Received. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Durney adjourned the meeting at 5:16 p.m. The next meeting of the Commission would be held October 8, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 201 North Broadway, Escondido. Ali Shahzad, Associate Engineer Ty Pa , Minutes Clerk 6